This particular ‘Gayatri’ Mantra honors Lord Vayu, the great deity of air & wind and the ruler of the sky. His powerful force creates motion and while he can be very destructive by conjuring up wind and commanding storms, he most importantly, awakens our potential to reach our higher consciousness; the mind steeped in the divine.

As fall is slowly arriving, the winds begin to cool the heat (Pitta) of summer and dry up the abundance of moisture from this unusual rainy season. Chlorophyll breaks down and the last bit of heat in the leaves creates the vibrant colors we see in the trees. The Ayurvedic season of Vata (Fall through early Winter) has begun. In Sanskrit, ‘vata’ comes from the root ‘vaa’ which means ‘to blow’ or ‘to move.’ Just like Lord Vayu, the movement of wind can be powerful and and the transition from summer to fall can knock us off our feet. At the same time, fall also invokes an ethereal quality of creating space for us to transform. When the leaves eventually fall and the days get shorter, a period of hibernation occurs when we can gaze inward and find meditation.

The same ‘vata’ wind energy that occurs in nature also lives within the body. Just like air sweeping across the surface of the Earth, our bodies and minds (our biological ecosystem) can also be affected by air pressure. Vata is the king of the ‘doshas.*’ It is made up of the elements air and ether and its qualities are cold, dry, mobile, and light. It’s not only related to motion in the physical body (the nervous system, elimination) but more notably, it is the motion of the mind. In the most balanced state, vata uplifts us with divine lightness. When there’s too much of it, we may feel anxious, fearful, or constipated. The air of ‘vata’ can make heat rise which can manifest as inflammation in the body.

The beauty of being aware of ‘vata’ and the role it plays in nature is that we can adjust our routine to align with the season. To create harmony and balance, most of us need the opposite qualities of vata to nourish us, especially if you’re a vata-type person (smaller frame, quick-minded, aversion to cold weather). That’s why it’s important to eat more warm, moist and heavier foods during this time. Root vegetable are a gift that the earth gives us to balance the cold, dry, and light vata season. Soups, stews, and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and clove are best (a fall/winter grocery list can be found here: https://lifespa.com/winter-grocery-list-vata-balancing-diet/). Try not to cram too many activities into your schedule so that you can stay grounded and connected. Most importantly, enjoy the richness of nature in all of its beauty and ride the wave of Lord Vayu’s wind to help you soar to new heights and reawaken the lightness of your spirit.

Practice: Connect to the wind of your breath and practice more breathing techniques (pranayama). A simple alternate nostril breath called Nadi Shodhana will help you stay balanced:

Take a comfortable and tall seat, making sure your spine is straight and your heart is open. Relax your left hand comfortably into your lap into gyan mudra and bring your right hand just in front of your face.

1. With your right hand, bring your pointer finger and middle finger to rest between your eyebrows, lightly using them as an anchor. The fingers we’ll be actively using are the thumb and ring finger.

2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and out through your nose.

3. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale through the left nostril slowly and steadily.

4. Close the left nostril with your ring finger and open your right nostril to release the breath slowly through the right side.

5. Inhale through the right side slowly and close your right nostril with your thumb.

6. Open your left nostril and release breath slowly through the left side.

This class is a unique opportunity to learn how to elevate your consciousness through an exploration of pranayama (breath control) and meditation. Restore and release stress in the body through the gentle opening of restorative yoga poses using props. Enjoy the rejuvenating journey into the more subtle energies of your being. All levels are welcome from beginners to advanced. A great add-on to the 9:30am class, your morning workout, or run.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga

A gently paced class that instills comfort and strength to explore a blossoming practice. This is a perfect class for new students regardless of age, yogis who are returning to the mat after a period of absence, as well as pregnant women. Great for any student looking for a gentle, contemplative practice and an opportunity to “stretch out” in the pose.

Yoga Remix

Yoga Remix

Get ready for the weekend with this faster paced All Levels vinyasa class set to an ecclectic playlist that includes everything from Pop to Hip Hop. RE-MIX!

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful things a woman’s body and mind will experience in her life, but it is also one of the most difficult.

Yoga is the journey back to your innermost self; that perfect light that holds the deepest love for your new baby.
Our 4-week Mommy & Baby series will not only focus the mind and release tension, but it will also increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the body. We’ll offer poses that enhance bonding, trust, and exploration with your baby. This class will also help create a yogic rhythm with your baby, staying fully present in each joyous moment. Moms can expect to strengthen the abdomen and regain control of their body, meet other new moms, and become a part of the blossoming yoga community in a calming, welcoming, and loving space. Ages 6 weeks-10 months (preferably non-walking)

Transform, transcend and be inspired. Enjoy this candlelit class with live acoustic music by Monica Ott. Monica provides an unforgettable focus, drawing you into the present and onto your mat while Shayna guides you through an uplifting, heart opening asana practice. This class will allow you to ground, connect and rejuvenate.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal Yoga

This class is designed to help prepare the body and mind for labor, birth, and motherhood. Learn to relax through mental centering and focused breathing to benefit both mom and baby. Postures are carefully chosen to be safe and supportive and help you more easily adapt to the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Through these classes, you will deepen the everlasting bond between you and your baby and celebrate motherhood with other women in the community.

Beat the heat and join Courtnay for an early morning yoga practice that will energize your body, awaken your mind, and prepare you for your day. Practicing yoga in the morning helps increase circulation and warms up stiff muscles after a long night of rest. Ditch your cup of coffee and invigorate your spirit with a natural dose of caffeine.

Open Meditation

Open Meditation

A guided meditation practice that will introduce you to various techniques that are easily accessible to the everyday yogi. Experience greater health and increased internal peace. Develop a regular meditation practice and witness the progress you make on and off the mat.

Level II-III

All Levels Live Music

Level II/III Classes will include more intermediate and advanced postures and variations such as arm balances, inversions, and backbends. These classes are a time to play with your practice, increase strength and flexibility, and discover new ways to move your body and mind.

Level I

Level I

A moderate paced class with a focus on deepening basic poses. In Level 1 class we string flowing movement throughout the practice and introduce creative transitions between poses. Perfect for a student with little or no experience.

Level I

Yoga Basics

New to Yoga? Learn basic poses with a focus on aligning the body and connecting each movement to the breath. This class is a practical introduction to the yoga practice. It is a slow vinyasa sequence that includes the essentials, from sun salutations and standing poses, through simple inversions, relaxation, and meditation.

All Levels

All Levels

This multi-level class is recommended for experienced practitioners as well as newer students with a sense of adventure! Following the teacher’s cues, you’ll get to work at your own pace. Each class will include flowing sequences, hands-on assists, relaxation and meditation. Posture variations will be provided for all levels of practice. Newer students should be advised that there may not be detailed how-to descriptions; for that we recommend taking a Basic or Level I Class.